Gospel of the Day

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew 1:16, 18–21, 24a

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called the Christ.
The birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way:
His mother, Mary, was betrothed to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph, her husband, being a just man and unwilling to expose her to disgrace, resolved to divorce her quietly. But after he had made up his mind, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said:
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him.

Admiration for Joseph

Fr. Mendizábal says that Joseph never doubted Mary but did doubt whether he was worthy enough to be the husband of the Mother of God and to serve as the father of Jesus. What a mission Joseph had!
How many times must Jesus have heard this story from His father? And how many times would He have admired Joseph—his humility, his faithfulness, his obedience? Surely, Jesus was proud of him.
As parents, may we rise each day ready to do the will of the Father, just as Joseph did.

Applying It to Married Life

Paco: I love God’s plan—that He wanted His Son to have an adoptive father. It reminds me how important and dignified our role is as adoptive parents.
Clara: Yes! What a blessing that we can share this mission with Saint Joseph. And what dignity it gives to our children to know that Jesus Himself also had an adoptive father.
Paco: Thank You, Lord, for the example of Saint Joseph.
Clara: We ask Saint Joseph to intercede for us so that we may trust in the Father’s love as generously as he did.

Mother,

What a great husband you had on Earth. May we, like him, embrace the mission entrusted to us with humility, faithfulness, and obedience.
Thank you, blessed Joseph!